Kendall Heren
Kendall Heren, a member of the Gabriel Homes Board of Directors, has been volunteering for the Special Olympics for over a decade. She is the the founder of KNH Advocacy.
My Special Olympics story starts in a way that sounds cheesy at first...
...but I promise it’s absolutely true. Back in college, my sorority sisters kept telling me, “You have to volunteer at Special Olympics. It’ll change your life.” I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I decided to give volunteering a try one Thursday night with a group of sisters who went each week.
That evening, I walked into an alley packed with athletes and volunteers. The energy, joy, and kindness were overwhelming. The athletes didn’t know me, but they welcomed me with open arms. They were down-to-earth and full of life. The evening was my first night volunteering at the Special Olympics, and I suddenly found myself in a whole new type of environment. Most of my time at school was spent focusing on myself: seeking my goals, future, and growth. Volunteering for Special Olympics was refreshing because I could focus on others.
I stepped back halfway through the night, looked down all the lanes, and felt something shift within me.
That night was the start of a new chapter.
I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life empowering the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in any way I could.
The very next morning, I changed my major from business to human development; I later added psychology. I sought out internships in special education. My first opportunity was working with second graders with disabilities at a local elementary school. Then I worked with a young adult with Autism through Virginia Tech’s On Campus Transition Program. How my career would pan out after graduation, I wasn’t sure. One thing was for certain: I wanted to spend my life working with people with IDD.
And I never looked back.
Twelve years later in the professional field, I’ve had the privilege of working in countless spaces with people with IDD. Every experience has taught me something new, like the importance of advocacy, the value of inclusion, and the power of believing in others’ potential. My career goes beyond what I’ve learned; it’s been about connection.
I deeply believe in the abilities of people with IDD. My passion drives every professional and personal decision I make.
At KNH Advocacy
When I work with families on individualized education plan (IEP) packages, I’m always thinking:
- What will make this student feel seen?
- What will help them feel confident?
- How can I show them that I believe in them, so they can believe in themselves?
Volunteering at the Special Olympics did more than introduce me to a community. It gave me purpose and direction. Going to Special Olympics over 12 years ago was the launching point that inspired the work I do every single day. And I couldn’t be more grateful.